Ateneo, La Salle brace for Titanic Showdown Round 2

Defending champion Ateneo Lady Eagles (11-2) and powerhouse La Salle Lady Spikers (10-2) will figure in a much-anticipated second round battle in the UAAP Women’s Volleyball on Sunday, April 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Though both teams are assured of a twice-to-beat advantage and seats in the postseason, they are expected to go all-out for school pride and glory. The Lady Eagles are looking to avenge their first round loss when the Lady Spikers stunned them in three sets, 25-22, 25-14, 25-18.

Ateneo, La Salle to face off again for Round 2. Photo: Arvin Lim

The Lady Spikers will look to repeat against their rivals by banking on the brilliant playmaking of team captain Kim Fajardo, who starred in their first round victory against Ateneo. They will also rely on the solid plays of middle blockers Mika Reyes and Majoy Baron and the resurgence of ace spiker Ara Galang.

On the other side, the Lady Eagles led by reigning MVP Alyssa Valdez will try to bring back their “happy” play, which was evidently absent in the first round meeting with the girls from Taft. For ace setter Jia Morado to execute flawless plays, the girls from Katipunan also need to display excellent floor defense and reception. Their poor reception and spotty floor defense were exposed by La Salle last time out.

This will be Ateneo’s final game for the elimination round, while La Salle still has one more game left on Wednesday against the NU Lady Bulldogs.

Game time is set at 4 pm. Tickets for the match were reportedly sold out on the first day of selling.